Thanks for the input so far, guys. I guess I failed to mention that I would primarily be using the kayak to get from point A to point B, then probably get out and wade. I want to be able to reach waters that I could only look at this year, and most of them were on the back sides of islands, salt ponds, and farther up tidal creeks. So I guess you could say that I'd be using it for more protected waters.

I'm not adverse to fishing from the kayak, but right now I have Roop's mindset of just wanting better access. As I become more comfortable with it, I'll adjust and branch out.